Exploring the Adsorption Performance of Eggshell Powder for Methylene Blue Removal from Wastewater

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of eggshell (ES) powder as a sustainable and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using an initial MB concentration of 20 mg/L and ES powder with an average particle size of 5.49 µm (D₀.₅). The effects of pH (2, 7, and 12), contact time (0–45 minutes), and adsorbent dosage (0–40 g/L) on MB removal efficiency were evaluated. The ES powder was prepared through drying, grinding, and ball milling, and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and particle size analysis. UV–Vis spectrophotometric measurements indicated that MB adsorption was highly pH-dependent, with removal efficiency of 98% observed at pH 12, 10 g/L ES dosage, and 5 minutes contact time. The adsorption efficiency increased rapidly in the first 5 minutes, followed by a gradual plateau as equilibrium was approached. FTIR spectra confirmed interactions between MB and ES, particularly under alkaline conditions, supporting the role of electrostatic attraction. Compared to previous ES-based adsorbents, this study demonstrates improved removal efficiency at lower contact times without thermal or chemical pre-treatment, highlighting its novelty. Overall, the findings demonstrate that ES is an effective, eco-friendly adsorbent for MB removal, especially under basic pH, making it a promising candidate for wastewater treatment applications.

Keywords

• Methylene blue
• Eggshell powder
• Adsorption
• Wastewater treatment
• pH-dependent removal

References

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